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An Operator’s Ultimate Guide to Location-Based Entertainment

An Operator’s Ultimate Guide to Location-Based Entertainment

In the wild world of attractions, Location-Based Entertainment (LBE) isn't just a cool trend; it's the secret sauce to making your venue the go-to place for a good time. This guide isn't your usual run-through; we're getting into the nitty-gritty of LBE, why it's not just a passing fad but the future of attractions. 

Join us as we break down why it's all the rage, toss in some examples, and show you how ROLLER's venue management solution can turn your venue into a place where guests go knowing they’ll have a great experience. That means your business will drive more revenue, operate more efficiently, and build a brand that guests can’t help but rave about!  

What is Location-Based Entertainment?

LBE isn't just your average entertainment; it's where the real world meets the digital playground. Dive into the details of what makes LBE tick, from crazy interactive tech to setting the stage for experiences your guests will talk about for ages.

Key elements of LBE

1. Immersive storytelling

At the core of LBE lies the art of immersive storytelling. It's not just about showcasing attractions; it's about crafting narratives transporting guests into alternate realities. Through a blend of technology and narrative, LBE turns ordinary spaces into canvases for extraordinary stories. Guests aren't just spectators; they become active participants in narratives that unfold around them.

2. Cutting-edge interactive technology

LBE is synonymous with cutting-edge tech that transcends traditional entertainment boundaries. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are the architects of this new-age experience. AR overlays digital elements in the real world, while VR immerses guests in entirely digital environments. The result? A multi-sensory experience that blurs the lines between the physical and digital realms.

But just as important as the technology that you use to deliver this experience where the real world and virtual world intersect is the technology you use to support your venue. Your guests’ experience begins long before they walk into your doors. That’s why it’s so important for attraction venues and location-based entertainment businesses to have a venue management solution that meets all their needs. What does that look like?

An all-in-one system that allows operators to manage tickets, capacity, POS sales, memberships, waivers, parties and group bookings, payments, and so much more all from one cloud-based platform. And because guests have multiple options regarding where to spend their disposable income at location-based entertainment venues, you’ll want to ensure that your online checkout is optimized for driving conversions and increasing spend per head.

3. Sensorial engagement

From touch-sensitive surfaces and interactive displays to scent diffusers and spatial audio, LBEs are designed to envelop guests in a sensory-rich experience. The goal is to create an environment where every sight, sound, and touch contributes to the overall narrative.

4. Personalization through technology

LBE leverages technology to offer personalized experiences tailored to individual preferences. Through RFID wristbands, mobile apps, and other smart technologies, guests can customize their journey, ensuring that each visit is uniquely theirs. This personal touch fosters a deeper connection, turning casual visitors into loyal enthusiasts.

5. Seamless integration of physical and digital elements

The magic of LBE lies in its ability to weave physical and digital elements into a cohesive experience seamlessly. It's not just about virtual worlds; it's about integrating digital interactivity with tangible elements. Whether it's a digital scavenger hunt in a physical space or holographic characters interacting with the real world, LBE blurs the boundaries between real and imagined.

6. Dynamic and adaptive experiences

Through dynamic narratives, real-time adjustments, and interactive elements, LBE ensures that each visit feels fresh and exciting. This adaptability is a key element, keeping guests coming back for more as they anticipate new twists and turns.

Why is Location-Based Entertainment the future?

Increased social connection

LBE thrives on creating shared experiences. It's not just about the individual journey; it's about fostering a sense of community. Whether through multiplayer games, collaborative challenges, or interactive exhibits, LBE encourages social interaction, turning each visit into a collective adventure.

Evolving consumer expectations

In the ever-shifting landscape of consumer expectations, there's increased demand for experiences that go beyond the ordinary. Today’s audiences seek entertainment that is not just passive but personalized, interactive, and constantly evolving. This is precisely where Location-Based Entertainment (LBE) takes center stage.

LBE stands out by providing ever-changing storylines, challenges, and interactive elements. This promise of something new with each visit not only meets but exceeds the evolving consumer expectation for fresh, exciting experiences. Recognizing that passive entertainment no longer cuts it, LBE encourages active participation. Guests aren't just observers; they are active contributors, influencing storylines, physically engaging with exhibits, and becoming an integral part of the unfolding narrative.

Furthermore, LBE adopts a community-centric approach, acknowledging the value of shared experiences. Attractions are designed to foster social interactions through multiplayer games, collaborative challenges, and interactive exhibits. In doing so, LBE not only keeps pace with evolving consumer expectations but actively contributes to creating memories that are not just individual but collective.

Location-Based Entertainment examples

Escape rooms revved up

Escape rooms epitomize the evolution of Location-Based Entertainment (LBE), transforming from mere puzzles into immersive adventures. Participants are no longer passive solvers; they step into intricately woven narratives where augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and interactive elements turn the experience into a multi-sensory journey. Escape rooms showcase how LBE injects new life into familiar forms of entertainment, offering dynamic, engaging experiences that blur the lines between reality and fiction.

Interactive theme parks

Picture this: a theme park where augmented reality (AR) transforms a roller coaster into a cosmic odyssey or where virtual reality (VR) turns a gentle carousel into a journey through a fantastical realm. In these interactive theme parks, the physical location becomes a canvas for a captivating blend of the real and the virtual, showcasing how Location-Based Entertainment (LBE) takes traditional attractions and propels them into an immersive, tech-infused future.

ROLLER's venue management solution for Location-Based Entertainment centers

1. Increase revenue with seamless transactions

Maximize your revenue potential through ROLLER's cloud-based venue management system. From streamlined ticketing processes to effortlessly managing membership transactions and seamlessly handling concessions, our platform ensures that your operations run smoothly, translating into increased profitability for your business.

Read this next: How Elevate Generated $600,000 in Membership Revenue in 4 Months

2. Drive operational efficiency with robust tools

Efficiency is at the core of successful operations, and ROLLER's platform is your key to navigating behind-the-scenes intricacies with precision. From efficient staff management to real-time reporting, our suite of tools transforms the management of your Location-Based Entertainment (LBE) business into a streamlined and effective process, ensuring that every aspect runs like a well-oiled machine.

Read this next: ClimbZone reduces payroll costs by $15k per year with ROLLER

3. Deliver exceptional guest experiences

Elevate the guest journey with ROLLER's guest-centric features, positioning each visitor as a VIP. With each interaction, ROLLER enables you to create exceptional guest experiences that leave a lasting impression, fostering loyalty and ensuring your LBE business stands out in a competitive landscape.

Read this next: How Laughing Ducks Reduces Time to Complete a Booking by 70%

To learn more about how ROLLER can help your location-based entertainment business, get in touch